The Coziest Way to De-Stress This Winter

You may have heard about weighted blankets, but why are they so popular? Weighted blankets are blankets filled with material to make them heavier: glass beads, plastic pellets, etc. They are scientifically proven to be therapeutic. The magic lies behind the deep touch pressure (DTP) provided by the heavy blanket. This pressure, which mimics a hug, calms the nervous system by releasing feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. Because of the calming sensation to the body, weighted blankets offer the following benefits:

Ease Insomnia

A lot of adults suffer from insomnia, about 10% of the U.S. population. If you find yourself feeling tossing and turning due to restlessness at night, a weighted blanket could be the answer to a good night’s sleep. The calmness provided by the added weight of the blanket helps soothe the body and ease the mind. Deep touch pressure helps the body release serotonin, which regulates both mood and sleep cycles. So that active brain of yours could finally get some downtime.

Reduce Anxiety

Anxiety is incredibly common, affecting 40 million adults in the U.S. If someone struggles with anxiety, a weighted blanket could help them sleep better at night and provide much-needed comfort when they need it. Wrapping oneself in a blanket could be a comforting coping mechanism. In a study, 63% of adults experienced lower anxiety when using a weighted blanket due to its calming sensation.

Reduce Stress

Stress keeps us on edge, and it messes with our quality of life. Too much stress can be bad for the body, as it can lead to restlessness, headaches, fatigue, and more. There are many ways to reduce stress but using a weighted blanket may be an easier way to relax. Simply wrap yourself in a blanket while you work from home, read, or watch TV and watch your body unwind.

Weighted blankets aren’t just beneficial for adults, they’ve been shown to help children as well—especially those with ADHD, autism, and anxiety. Help keep your little ones feeling extra cozy. As a guideline, a weighted blanket should be approximately 10% of a person’s body weight. The blanket should be comforting, not smothering or excessively heavy.

If you know someone who suffers from anxiety, insomnia, stress—or someone who simply enjoys self-care products—consider buying them a weighted blanket. Check out some of the best weighted blankets to gift—or to buy yourself!